Khatami Visits Grounds

Under tight security, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, the first high-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States in 30 years, delivered remarks at the Rotunda on Sept. 7.

Khatami's presence on Grounds drew harsh criticism from many, who decried his support for Hezbollah and Iran's often virulant anti-U.S. stances. Others supported Khatami's invitation to speak, welcoming the opportunity to hear firsthand from an important political figure in the Middle East. The visit was sponsored by UVA's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture.